What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. The FDA has approved several medications specifically for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). These medications are designed to relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce psychological cravings, helping individuals regain a stable state of mind and body, and allowing them to focus on the essential aspects of their recovery journey.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

For those struggling with alcohol addiction, MAT offers a range of medications that can significantly aid in the recovery process. Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are commonly used. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, reducing the desire to drink. Acamprosate helps restore the brain’s chemical balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use, while disulfiram creates an adverse reaction to alcohol, deterring individuals from drinking.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Similarly, for opioid addiction, MAT includes medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine work by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high.
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids altogether, preventing any euphoric sensation if the individual relapses.

Benefits of MAT

MAT is grounded in rigorous scientific research and has proven to be an effective treatment for substance use disorders. One of the main benefits is that it addresses the physical aspects of addiction, which can be a significant barrier to recovery. Additionally, there is a misconception that MAT merely substitutes one addiction for another; however, the medications used in MAT are carefully regulated and administered to ensure they support recovery rather than hinder it.